Disney’s 52nd animated feature film is titled after its lead character, Ralph, a gigantic but soft-hearted hero with super-strength that earns him the nickname Wreck-It Ralph. Lower Hardres, one of many pleasant neighbouring villages to Bridge, is home to its own soft-hearted hero named Ralph, his superb eye for photo has earned him the name within CommunityAd at least of Snap-It Ralph.
Ralph Lombart, who, along with his wife and four children, has called this area of the world home since 2005, and he kindly put the camera down for a second to tell CommunityAd what he thought of the place. “I think Lower Hardres has all the components of the quintessential English village, with its quaint country lanes and untouched rural beauty. It’s like stepping into a bygone age of unfussy, bucolic serenity. Every turn opens your view to an inspiring scene of incredible beauty that just charms and uplifts.”
What’s your favourite season as a photographer?
I love all seasons for photography but spring and summer are my favourite because I love the vibrant colours that are present in nature at that time. They are also seasons that are easier to enjoy because of the mild or warm weather.
When did you first pick up a camera? And what inspired you to do so?
I have always dabbled in art and enjoy, for example, tending to my garden at home so that there are beautiful flowers and plants to bring joy to the beholder. I decided to do photography thanks to the convenience of the mobile phone. It is such a light and easy device to carry about. My wife kindly gifted me an iPhone 11 Pro Max which I’m currently using to take pictures of the various nature scenes I encounter when I go for my daily walks.
Obviously, we love your snaps when you’re out and about in Kent but what else do you like to photograph apart from stunning scenery?
Apart from nature shots with trees, fields and flowers, I also love to take pictures of historic sites and scenes of beautiful architecture. I find the inside of buildings such as Canterbury Cathedral a rich hunting ground for amazing architectural pictures. It’s like walking through history and seeing the work of amazing craftsmen with fresh eyes. It’s such a delight every time. We are very blessed in Canterbury to have such a rich heritage of historic buildings.
What bit of advice would you give to any novices starting out in photography?
If possible, get the best mobile phone you can afford. The difference in picture quality will be very discernible. Another tip I have is something that I sometimes do. I will look at an amazing photo of a place in, let us say, Canterbury in a magazine or online and I will try to recreate the same thing.
It’s one way to develop your sense of what makes a good photo and how to compose a really nice shot.
Could you tell our readers a little bit about your passion aka your fabulous fundraising?
I come from a large extended family – I have 6 siblings. Three of us sang in a Gospel group and performed throughout the UK and several countries in Europe. I also have family members and friends who are keen singers. So, it was a natural development for me to call on all those talents when I thought of raising funds for charity.
I organised Christmas concerts for many years for several charities including CLIC Sargent, Kent MS Therapy Centre, Kent Kids Miles of Smile and for the past three years I have raised funds for Catching Lives charity in Canterbury. I also donate my photos on canvas to anyone who is willing to make a donation to Catching Lives. I have raised about £15,000 for these charities during that time. It is a real pleasure to do this charitable work.
We are blessed with good community spirit in this part of the world. Whenever we had these charity concerts, I found that the local community were amazing in their faithful support. Local businesses gave gifts. The mayors attended the concerts. All in all, it was a great community experience.
Anything else you’d like to add please feel free?
In this time of pandemic, it is my wish that people will become more aware of the beauty that is all around us in nature and to allow these wonderful scenes to soothe our souls.
If my photos can contribute towards bringing joy to people’s lives, then that will add a blessing to the joy I already experienced when taking the photos.